Emirates confirmed 24 Brits were on the flight and that none of the 300 people on the aircraft were injured. One firefighter died “saving the lives of the others”, the General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed.

In a dramatic video posted online, passengers were seen streaming along the tarmac with the remnants of an explosion billowing in the background.

EPA

The aircraft's roof was blown off in a massive explosion as it landed at Dubai International Airport

They were seen clutching suitcases and other belongings, while parents held their children as they ran.

The first video was posted on Twitter by Mohammed Al-Shiban, a man who claims to be a pilot and Boeing 747-8 captain.

His footage showed many of those who had been onboard the flight running for safety.

The burning plane’s tail fin, featuring a section of the United Arab Emirates flag, could be seen in the background submerged in thick black clouds.

All departures at Dubai Airport were delayed by several hours following the incident.

Emirates confirmed that an “operational incident” had taken place and in a statement said: “We are expecting a 8-hour network wide delay, more information will be available on the Emirates website and social media channels.”

Multiple flights out of Dubai to Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuwait, Doha and Geneva have been cancelled.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office told HuffPost UK they were ready to “support” British nationals affected.

They said:

We are in contact with the airline Emirates following the incident at Dubai airport, and understand all passengers have left the aircraft safely. Our staff are ready to support any British nationals if required.Foreign Office spokesman

A full break-down of the nationalities onboard Flight EK 521 was released by the airline:

226 - India

24 - UK

11 - UAE

6 - US

6 - Saudi Arabia

5 - Turkey

4 - Ireland

2 - Australia

2 - Brazil

2 - Germany

2 - Malaysia

2 - Thailand

1 - Croatia

1 - Egypt

1 - Bosnia & Herzegovina

1 - Lebanon

1 - Philippines

1 - South Africa

1 - Switzerland

1 - Tunisia

The General Civil Aviation Authority revealed in a statement that a firefighter was killed helping passengers escape.

“We are very sad to announce that one of the firefighters lost his life while saving the lives of the others,” the authority’s director general said on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the General Civil Aviation Authority, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of deceased.

“I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm’s way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Government-backed Emirates is the region’s biggest carrier, and operates the world’s largest airline fleet of the wide-body 777 long-haul aircraft.

Concerned friends and family members of those on board can call the following dedicated contact numbers: